Suits against KBR allege burn pit fumes affected troops

Fumes from burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan have imperiled the health of troops and contractors, according to lawsuits filed in several states Tuesday against defense contractor KBR.

Six lawsuits were filed in state courts on behalf of current and former military personnel, private contractors and families of people whose deaths allegedly stemmed from the fumes, cnn.com reported. More were expected to be filed Wednesday.

A total of 70 plaintiffs will be filing lawsuits, lead attorney Elizabeth Burke told CNN.

In a statement to CNN, KBR said the assertion that KBR knowingly harmed soldiers or contractors is unfounded.